Presented for the first time at Paris motor show in October 1980, the Citroën only started off with 8,000 pieces. Seeing its huge success and consumer demand, the car production increased upon its addition to the range catalogue, until end of production in 1990.

It’s been forty years since the first 2 CV Charleston rolled off Citroën’s production line. The car, a special edition bearing the name ‘Charleston’ was limited to a total of 8,000 units and focused on satisfying the needs of 2 CV purists. With its round headlights and red finishing, the 2 CV 6 Charleston offered a unique style and craftsmanship of the highest degree. The catalyst towards the creation of this limited edition was the 2 CV Spot of 1976. The car took its finishing inspiration from the Club and its upholstery and round headlights were borrowed from 2 CV Spécial. The car also exceeded its sales expectations and as a result, Citroën began its mass production at Levallois plant in the July of 1981. This version was slightly different from the original due to its chromed headlights and upholstery patterned with diamond design.

Its finishing shades were added year after year from the original Delage Red and Black to 1982’s Hélios Yellow and Black, and Night Grey and Cormorant Grey of 1983. Later, its production was shifted to Mangualde Plant of Portugal, where its windows were marked with the name ‘Covina’. The last 2 CV to be produced was a Charleston finished in Night Grey and Cormorant Grey, on July 27^th 1990; it was the 5,114,969^th of its kind. The forty year history and limited editions of this car have made it highly collectible for automobile enthusiasts. Presently, a customer can buy this car’s special series model at about €14,500 (INR 1,261,254) and the catalogue model at approximately €10,500 (INR 913,322). One may also acquire a little souvenir of the car as a miniature three-inch model or a key chain at the Lifestyle Citroën shop. Laying its foundation with the Spot, the limited editions of 2 CV has 10 variations for some European countries, from France’s 1980 Charleston to England’s 1987 Bamboo and Belgium’s 1988 Perrier. As a 60 year commemoration of 2 CV, Citroën launched a C3 Pluriel Charleston inspired limited-version Charleston with a classic Delage Red and Black paint on the outside.

A dual-toned exterior, with dark shades for underbody panels, windscreen etc. and light shades for boot door, bonnet, wheels etc., make the vehicle stand out even more. Featuring a single-spoke steering wheel, it claims its place as a high-end 2 CV model. Other interior features include sun visors, dash board with various equipment and small hooks which help in unlocking the convertible top. It does not have a centrifugal clutch option, as opposed to 2 CV 6 Club and Spécial. Following its exclusive appeal, its interiors have grey fabric covering the doors and a broken-check design on the upholstery. It had the same A06/635 with 29 DIN hp at 5750 rpm engine for the length of its production and delivered a peak performance of 115 km/h. Made for French and European automobile markets, the car was originally priced at 24,800 francs. Features like red coloured wheels, Dyane 6 hubcaps, round headlights and two-coloured exterior make it a truly unique vehicle of its era.

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Aayushi Primta

Hi there! I am an amateur automobile enthusiast with a love for muscle cars. When I'm not surfing the net about latest cars, you'll find me looking up recipe videos on YouTube or playing board games.
Favourite Car: '67 Camaro
Quote: Always focus on the front windshield and not the rearview mirror - Colin Powell

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